Chapter 12: Yeruashi Unleashes... |
Seireitei.
Marenoshin Omaeda led Yeruashi and the others through the southern gate of the Seireitei, heading straight for the Shin'o Academy.
Rukia and Hisana followed closely behind. Omaeda showed no sign of displeasure regarding their presence.
Under normal circumstances, not even a seated officer, let alone an academy student, was permitted to bring family members into the Seireitei. However, Yeruashi and Lilith were clearly entitled to certain privileges. Judging by the sheer weight of their Reiatsu, they would only need a modicum of training to reach the level of a Gotei 13 Lieutenant.
In the Soul Society, strength had always been the ultimate currency, especially within the Gotei 13. For instance, the moment a Shinigami mastered their Bankai, they were considered fully qualified to contend for the position of Captain.
The reason for this was quite simple.
A Shinigami capable of unleashing Bankai possessed power that transcended ordinary limits. Generally speaking, an entire division—Lieutenant included—could not hope to defeat their Captain once that final release was triggered.
It was this overwhelming disparity in power that made the Captains' status so prestigious and revered.
Souls like Yeruashi, whose immense spiritual pressure granted them the potential for a Lieutenant's rank with minimal effort, stood a very high chance of eventually mastering Bankai.
"This is the Shin'o Academy," Omaeda announced.
He let out a boisterous laugh as they reached the main entrance. "Thinking about it, there's not much need for you to actually train here. With Reiatsu like yours, you could probably enlist directly into a squad. However, a Shinigami must understand their duties and the fundamental structure of the Soul Society. But more importantly—the academy is where you are issued your Asauchi."
"It looks quite impressive and distinct," Yeruashi remarked casually.
He glanced around as they strolled through the campus. The academy was built in a simple, traditional Japanese architectural style, yet despite its modesty, the structures exuded a majestic and ancient atmosphere.
"And how could it be otherwise?" Omaeda asked. "The Shin'o Academy is one of the most vital pillars of the Gotei 13. The overwhelming majority of Shinigami are forged here, save for members of certain noble houses who prefer to train their youth in private."
Omaeda continued to share anecdotes about the academy and the Seireitei until they arrived at a particular building. "Come, this way."
They entered what appeared to be a spacious, well-maintained office.
A soul sitting near the entrance bowed politely to Marenoshin. "To what do we owe the honor, Lieutenant Omaeda?"
There were countless Shinigami in the Seireitei, but only a handful ever reached the rank of Lieutenant. They stood at the pinnacle of the regular officer corps, wielding significant influence throughout the Seireitei and the academy. Upon retirement, a Lieutenant could easily secure a position as the academy's director.
"I've come to register two new students," Marenoshin replied.
He stepped aside and gestured toward Yeruashi and Lilith. "See to it. They come with a personal recommendation from my Captain."
The worker's eyes widened. A personal recommendation from a Gotei 13 Captain was an exceedingly rare occurrence.
Usually, this meant one of two things: either the candidate possessed vast political connections and would join the Gotei 13 almost immediately after a perfunctory education, or they possessed such immense potential that they had caught a Captain's eye.
"Understood. I shall notify the administration at once," the worker said with a polite nod, heading deeper into the building.
Given that the matter involved a Captain, the paperwork was processed with maximum efficiency and a minimum of bureaucracy.
The worker soon returned with a smile. "All formalities are settled. They may begin their studies in Class 1 immediately."
"Excellent," Marenoshin grunted in satisfaction.
The academy curriculum spanned six years, with students divided into classes based on talent and social standing.
"I will escort them to their class," the worker offered, bowing to Omaeda.
Omaeda turned to Yeruashi, smiling. "Although the course is meant to last six years, if a student shows sufficient aptitude, no one will stop them from advancing early. Given your spiritual power, early graduation should be child's play. Hahaha! I look forward to working alongside you as colleagues in the near future."
The academy staff member couldn't help but shudder. Judging by the Lieutenant's tone, he was convinced these two would soon be his equals.
Despite his shock, the worker maintained his composure and led Yeruashi and Lilith toward their classroom without further questions.
"Don't worry about your friends," Marenoshin called out, waving his hand. "I'll help them get settled near the Seireitei. If you have any questions or run into trouble, just stop by the Second Division barracks."
Hisana's spiritual power was weak, and she had no interest in becoming a Shinigami, while Rukia was still too young to enroll.
"Thank you," Yeruashi acknowledged.
Omaeda merely laughed. "Don't mention it. These are trifles."
It really was a minor matter compared to saving a life. Besides, it was only natural to offer small favors to souls with such dazzling prospects.
Yeruashi looked at Hisana and Rukia. "Hisana, Rukia, you'll be living separately for now, but I'll make sure to visit whenever I have a spare moment."
"Alright," the two replied in unison.
Marenoshin headed for the exit with Rukia and Hisana. He briefly remembered that his own son was in that very class and thought about mentioning it to Yeruashi, but by then, the two were already out of sight.
He glanced at Yeruashi's receding figure one last time before continuing on his way, ultimately deciding to leave the introduction to chance.
A short while later.
Yuta Takanashi led Yeruashi and Lilith to a low but sprawling building.
This was the hall where kendo lessons were held, a mandatory subject for all first-year students.
"Wait here for a moment. I must inform the instructor first," Takanashi said before stepping inside. He walked straight to the kendo instructor and whispered in his ear.
The instructor's expression turned grave upon hearing that these students had arrived via the personal recommendation of the Second Division Captain. "I see. Let them in."
He watched Takanashi depart, then rapped his wooden sword against the floor to draw the students' attention. "Silence! We have two new students joining our class today..."
The students immediately halted their practice and began exchanging puzzled looks.
"Enrolling in the middle of the term... I've never heard of that before," someone whispered.
Standing nearby, Marechiyo Omaeda offered an explanation. "I've heard that one can bypass the formalities if they have a recommendation from a Lieutenant or a Captain. Since they've been sent directly to our class, it's likely they were vouched for by a Captain."
Hearing Marechiyo's words, every student turned their gaze toward the doorway, watching as two figures slowly entered the room.
'A recommendation from a Gotei 13 Captain! I wonder what kind of background they have...'
"These are Yeruashi Hatake and Lilith Hatake, siblings. From this day forward, they will be studying in our class," the instructor announced briefly.
'Siblings?' This sparked another wave of surprise, as it was quite rare for relatives to enroll simultaneously.
Marechiyo Omaeda stroked his chin thoughtfully. 'Hmm, the sister is quite beautiful, but my own younger sister is far better...'
"And look at the brother..." a female student nearby sighed dreamily.
After the brief introduction, the instructor handed Lilith and Yeruashi two prepared blades. "These are Asauchi—the primary weapon and faithful companion of any Shinigami. The academy grants these to students only on a temporary basis; you will only receive official ownership upon your successful graduation."
Yeruashi and Lilith reached out and accepted the Asauchi. Yeruashi not only understood exactly what an Asauchi was but had already explained the details to Lilith. Thus, even as the instructor continued his lecture, the two had already begun to commune with the blades.
An Asauchi is the blank canvas of a Zanpakuto, possessing no unique properties of its own. Only when held by a Shinigami and influenced by their Reiatsu does it gradually develop a personality and unique abilities tailored specifically to its owner.
Before Nimaiya Oetsu, the 'King of Swords', created the Asauchi, Shinigami could still obtain the power of a Zanpakuto, but it was an incredibly arduous and complex task. Mastering Shikai or Bankai required exponentially more effort than it did now. Simply put, the Asauchi was a tool that multiplied the efficiency of a Shinigami's power.
Yeruashi had felt the power of a Zanpakuto even before arriving at the academy.
In the past, he had encountered Retsu Unohana's Zanpakuto, and he had just witnessed Marenoshin Omaeda's. Since Yeruashi already possessed a profound understanding of Zanpakuto power, he immediately realized that the Asauchi was a vessel—one that would become an inseparable part of him once filled with his will and energy.
For ordinary Shinigami, this was a long and grueling process. They had to exert their spiritual pressure on the Asauchi for years to finally 'forge' it into a true Zanpakuto.
But for Yeruashi...
It was child's play.
Simpler than simple.
Easier than breathing itself.
"...diligently breathe your will and power into the Asauchi, but do not forget to remain sensitive enough to hear its voice. Only after you learn the name of your blade's spirit and understand its character will you be able to release Shikai. In doing so, you will undergo a startling transformation and grow stronger alongside your Zanpakuto."
"But that is not all... beyond Shikai lies the legendary release known as Bankai! The ultimate form of a Zanpakuto!! Every successful Bankai is eternally recorded in the annals of the Soul Society, and every Shinigami who achieves it is qualified to become a Captain of the Gotei 13! This is the final goal and the absolute pinnacle of the Shinigami path, the dream of every student in this academy!"
As the instructor finished his stirring speech, his eyes suddenly bulged. Yeruashi and Lilith had begun their attempts to commune with the Asauchi during the lecture, even though it was clearly their first time touching one.
'As expected of those recommended by a Captain, they certainly possess remarkable talent.' Judging by their focus, they likely had a very good chance of mastering Shikai in the future.
"That will be all."
"I have shared the basic knowledge of the Asauchi with you. You will receive a more detailed lecture in the next session with the rest of the students."
The instructor watched them for a moment longer before speaking. Since the other students had been intrigued by the new arrivals from the start, all their attention was now fixed on Yeruashi and Lilith. Their curiosity was only heightened by how graceful Lilith appeared and how charismatic Yeruashi was.
"They must be incredibly talented to earn a Captain's recommendation," someone whispered.
But Marechiyo Omaeda shook his head. "Not necessarily. They might just be from a noble family..."
Only a few students nearby caught the whisper, but the atmosphere soon began to turn awkward.
This was because, despite the instructor's words, Yeruashi and Lilith continued to stare at their blades as if they hadn't heard a word he said.
The other students began casting bewildered glances at the motionless duo. Marechiyo stroked his chin and muttered, "Did they... not hear the teacher?"
The instructor was initially shocked, but his expression soon soured into a frown.
It was natural to be curious about a new Asauchi, and attempting to commune with it immediately was a sign of talent. However, ignoring the teacher to continue the attempt in such a situation was pushing it.
'They aren't seriously hoping to release Shikai right here and now, are they?'
Vwoom!
Just as that thought crossed the instructor's mind, a powerful torrent of Reiatsu erupted from Lilith's body. While it hadn't reached the level of a Captain yet, it had certainly surpassed the rank of an average Lieutenant. This was Class 1, comprised of the most gifted students, but even they felt a tremor of fear run through their bodies at the sudden flare of power.
No...
That's simply impossible...
As the instructor felt the weight of that spiritual pressure, his eyes widened, and an absurd, almost laughable thought flashed through his mind.
As if answering his thoughts, Lilith opened her mouth and spoke calmly, "Paint the enemy crimson, Chishita."
Vwoom!
Following her command, the recently issued Asauchi began to shift rapidly in size and shape amidst a brilliant glow. In the blink of an eye, the small blade lengthened and expanded, transforming into a massive, blood-red sword that stood taller than Lilith herself.
The kendo instructor fell into a dazed stupor, while Yuta Takanashi stood frozen in place.
That was...
Shikai!
Not even three minutes had passed since the instructor handed them the blades, yet in that short span, Lilith had not only communed with the weapon but mastered its release!
If an experienced instructor was questioning his very reality, there was nothing to be said for the students.
They all stood rooted to the spot, mouths agape and eyes bulging, as if a petrification spell had been cast over the entire room.
Although they were only first-years, they had already participated in mock battles and studied enough to recognize a Shikai when they saw one.
"She's... a monster..."
Marechiyo struggled to find the words, his jaw working fruitlessly until he finally managed to whisper the thought in a trembling voice.
How else could one describe her?! Releasing Shikai just minutes after receiving an Asauchi...
Lilith's ability to earn a Captain's recommendation no longer seemed surprising. She wasn't just another genius; she was a monster! No—a monster among monsters!
Yeruashi turned his gaze from his own Asauchi and looked at Lilith with a smile, nodding in approval.
Well done.
As expected of my daughter.
But since my daughter—no, my sister—has already released her Shikai, I can't very well let her show me up...
Yeruashi smiled and raised his Asauchi above his head, immediately releasing a powerful ripple of Reiatsu.
The instructor and the students, still reeling from the first shock, immediately snapped their heads toward him.
Hey...
Surely not?
Despite their crumbling sense of reality, everyone clearly heard Yeruashi's calm, steady voice: "Steal it, Shunkan."
Accompanied by a surge of spiritual pressure, the Asauchi that had been nameless just moments ago began to shift. The ordinary katana took on a mesmerizing, golden form.
Shikai!
Yeruashi's Zanpakuto retained the general shape of a sword after its release, but upon closer inspection, it clearly resembled the hand of a vintage clock!
'So this is my Shikai's ability? It's even better than I expected.'
In the moment of the first release, Yeruashi instantly grasped its power: Time Theft!
This ability allowed him to steal the opponent's time upon contact with the blade. It didn't steal their lifespan, as the name might suggest, but rather their future actions. No matter what the opponent intended to do—parry, attack, or dodge—Yeruashi could steal that time with a touch, effectively erasing the action before it could even happen.
"..."
The instructor and the students had completely lost touch with reality as they watched the new arrivals.
Marechiyo Omaeda shook his head and offered a bitter smile. "Well... I suppose... that's exactly what you'd expect from students with a Captain's recommendation..."
There were cases in the history of the Soul Society where a Shikai was achieved on the first day, but within mere minutes? This was undoubtedly an absolute record for the Shin'o Academy.
Gulp!
Takanashi swallowed hard and took a step toward the door. He had to report this to the administration immediately; the academy would have to reconsider everything they thought they knew about training these terrifying newcomers.
But just as Takanashi reached the doorway and raised his foot to cross the threshold, his body suddenly seized. He stumbled, fighting to keep his balance.
Boom!
A colossal Reiatsu crashed down upon him!
It didn't just instantly reach the level of a Captain; it continued to swell!
Yeruashi looked at his Zanpakuto and smiled. He thought that if his sister had released her Shikai, he, as the older brother, really ought to do a little better...
The gargantuan spiritual pressure that flooded the room in an instant crushed the students into the floor.
Under such overwhelming weight, even the kendo instructor could no longer remain standing.
It wasn't just this room.
The entire Shin'o Academy shuddered under the weight of this titanic flare.
A violent ripple tore through the usually peaceful and calm Seireitei.
The First Division, the Second, the Third, the Fourth...
Every Shinigami within their barracks, including the Lieutenants and Captains, simultaneously turned their heads toward the academy.
While countless Shinigami across the city exchanged stunned looks, Yeruashi stood in the center of the hall, surrounded by the dazed and broken stares of his classmates and teacher.
He held his Zanpakuto horizontally before him and spoke with perfect equanimity.
"Ban-kai."